ON THURSDAY night Carlton will face Collingwood at the MCG for the 12th annual Richard Pratt Cup in a clash that raises awareness for prostate cancer in Australia.

In 2009, the Pratt Foundation and both Carlton and Collingwood hosted the inaugural fixture in honour of the late Richard Pratt, who lost his battle with prostate cancer earlier that year.

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David Parkin on Richard Pratt Cup

Carlton's Coach of the Century and prostate cancer survivor David Parkin talks about the Richard Pratt Cup.

Pratt was a former player, committeeman, major donor and president of the Carlton Football Club.

The match is played in honour of Pratt but also to highlight the importance of early diagnosis of prostate cancer.

During Thursday’s game, the crowd will be invited to take part in a 30 second applause to recognise the victims of prostate cancer.

Tickets are still available for Thursday night's game | Get yours by clicking here. 

Following the game, the Richard Pratt Cup and Medal will be presented to the winning team and the player chosen as Best on Ground.

To this point, there are no proven measures to prevent prostate cancer, with early detection and treatment significantly improving Australian males’ chances of survival.

Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic there has been a 60% reduction in the number of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. This alarming statistic is creating fear of a ‘tidal wave’ of diagnosis.

It is essential to attend regular check-ups with your physician for early detection.

Prostate cancer facts:

  • Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and the most common among Australian men.
  • An estimated 16,741 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in 2020
  • Tragically, there were an estimated 3,152 deaths from prostate cancer in 2020
  • One in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85.

The Pratt Foundation established a fellowship in 2011, aiming to identify significantly improved treatment for sufferers of prostate cancer.

Every year since, the foundation has committed $100,000 to an individual applicant who is conducting research in prostate cancer with the match-raising funds going towards the fellowship.

If you would like to donate, please visit https://www.carltonfc.com.au/community/blues-foundation